Argentine Tango Syllabus: Section H: Tips for leaders and followers

(See the Syllabus page for a list of the other topics in the syllabus.)


H1: Good Floorcraft for leaders:

  • Keep moving forward as space becomes available (Don't cause backups).
  • Do not cause collisions
  • Avoid overtaking, unless it is not crowded, the couple in front isn't moving for an extended period, and you are certain it is safe to do so
  • Avoid stepping backwards, unless you are certain it is safe to do so
  • Stay in lanes when crowded
  • Protect your follower (from collisions, getting kicked, others, etc.)

H2: Don'ts for Leaders

Leaders, do not:
  • Teach on the dancefloor
  • Crash around the floor like the proverbial bull in the china shop
  • Give people hard looks over minor things
  • Harass a follower into dancing with you
  • Drink fizzy drinks and then dance with women with long loose hair (trust me)

H3: Good Floorcraft for followers

  • Keep your feet low, when the milonga is crowded, or others are nearby
  • Be aware of the leaders blind spots: behind himself & to his right

H4: Don't For Followers

Followers, do not:
  • Press down so hard with your left arm you crush his right arm against his body
  • Auto-ocho
  • Do ganchos unless you're both certain it's what is being led and you know the proper technique (Hint: Kicking your leg back isn't the proper technique!)
  • Take your foot up unless you're certain it's safe to do so
  • Harass a leader into dancing with you
  • Doubt yourself while dancing. You should take your steps with confidence - if you pause or ask "Did you mean to do that?", it messes everything up

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